Downtown St. Paul Voice January 2023

Paul

Frosty fun is on its way

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

At the end of January, St. Paulites will once again get the chance to lean into Jack Frost’s icy embrace and show the rest of the country that snow and below freezing temperatures don’t deter them from hitting the streets and celebrating their city. The St. Paul Winter Carnival returns this year with traditional favorites such as snow-carving competitions and parades as well as a few new activities, including a lip sync competition. Events are held at various venues including the Landmark Center, Rice Park, and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Hours are 4-10 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays.

The Winter Carnival is presented by the St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit that

Winter Carnival / Page 4

Nonprofit celebrates 10 years of promoting artists with disabilities

Works with area businesses to display artwork for sale

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Annex demolition to begin in late January

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Winna

Bernard represents a wide array of artists, some of whom have rare skills. For example, one uses a paintbrush attached to headgear because she has no control of her hands. This artist worked diligently for six months to create, decorate and glaze a beautiful ceramic bowl. It’s artists like her that prompted Bernard 10 years ago to create The Show, a St. Paul-based nonprofit that helps artists with disabilities display and sell their work.

Bernard, who has lived and worked as a social worker in West St. Paul for more than 20 years, said the idea for the nonprofit stemmed from her desire to purchase artwork from people with disabilities, but she found there wasn’t an easy way to connect with them. Ultimately, she wanted to give artists with disabilities the same opportunities to make money that artists without disabilities have.

Like many other nonprofits, the pandemic was especially tough on The Show, now celebrating its 10-year anniversary. To stay afloat, the board of directors voted to close its Lowertown gallery and focus on curating shows at local businesses. The latest to join the ranks of participating businesses is Aria Salon in West St. Paul. The salon now has colorful artwork adorning the walls and handcrafted cards at the counter.

Aria Salon displays artwork from two independent artists, and a group of artists from Chrestomathy, a daytime arts program for people with disabilities. Bernard praised salon

owner Brandy Eichhof for installing hanging systems that together hold about 25 paintings, and for allowing a shelf for handcrafted cards to be placed on the Salon’s front desk. The Show also works with other businesses that have daytime arts organizations for people with disabilities, including MSS, Rise, Lifeworks and Interact.

Big River Pizza in Lowertown, The Show’s

The new year will usher in big –and long-awaited – changes for Pedro Park, located near the intersection of 10th St. E. and Robert St. N. Demolition of the Public Safety Annex, which shares a lot line with the .45-acre park, is expected to begin by the end of January, paving the way for a new full-block park. This spring, the site will be graded and seeded with grass. After that, the city will work on design options for the park’s expansion. The St. Paul City Council approved demolition in October and is using a $500,000 federal community block grant to fund that portion of the project

“It’s a big win and it’s something the community has been waiting for a very long time,” said Ward 2 City Councilmember Rebecca Noecker. “Our parks department will plant grass and maybe more based on community input…. There’s an idea around our parks team to let it [Pedro Park] stay very neutrally designed for a while to see how people actually use the space, and then build a long-term design based on how people use it. We’re also aware that there’s been a lot of community engagement about the design for Pedro Park over the years and that there’s a little bit of engagement fatigue.”

A new philanthropic group –Friends of Pedro Park – is now working to fundraise for design work

New chair of St. Paul Library Board hits ground running

Jake Spitzack Staff Writer

Ward 2 St. Paul City

Council member Rebecca Noecker has wasted no time in making improvements to the city’s library system. Since being named chair of the St. Paul Library Board in early August, she has already led the way to eliminate fees for faxing documents and has helped

secure $320,000 to increase substitute staffing at libraries. She will spend much of her time in the coming year overseeing two initiatives already underway: a $1.5 million project to improve safety at all libraries, and significant renovation work of the Hamline-Midway branch – set to break ground this spring – and the Hayden Heights and Riverview branches.

“Our libraries are on such a great trajectory that I really think the most important thing is to support these great efforts already underway,” said Noecker. “There are a couple of things that I would like to see get even more attention, like the work being done to create early learning centers in our libraries. I’d love to see those expanded to every branch. They are for families with

very young children to have a place to play and learn. I’d love to look at ways we can improve our budget for circulation. We have a relatively low budget compared to surrounding peer libraries as far as the number of materials we have in circulation.”

The city expects to hire a contractor by the end of January to complete a safety assessment of the libraries and create a comprehensive

public safety plan. Following completion of those projects, the city will create a plan to increase safety at the libraries. Preliminary ideas include redesigning interior layouts, hiring safety specialists, installing additional security cameras and more. The assessment, designs and improvements are being funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, which was

approved by St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter in late July.

“Another role I see myself playing as library chair is taking the concerns I hear from library staff and elevating them and making sure we respond to them through our budget or policy or whatever else we have at our disposal,” said Noecker. “For example, in this year’s budget cycle we

Pedro Park / Page 3

Show Gallery / Page 2

St. Paul Winter Carnival returns Jan. 26-Feb. 5

Artist Marrie Bottleson (left) with founder Winna Bernard

Show Gallery

from page 1

first and largest supporter, has been the primary display site since the nonprofit left its brick-and-mortar home in 2020. That restaurant can hold about 50 paintings. Owner Steve Lott is also a board member of The Show.

“After we closed, we pivoted our work to bringing the art to where people regu-

larly gather,” said Bernard. “We actually had more sales at Big River Pizza during COVID – when everything was closed – than we did the last two months at the gallery. Galleries are great but we only really had great sales when we had events.”

It was the display at Big River Pizza that led to a display at the Bakken Museum.

Executive vice president Joe Imholte of the Bakken noticed the artwork while having lunch at Big River Pizza and contacted Bernard saying he loved her mission and wanted their artists to exhibit at the museum.

Art shows at participating businesses have a theme and last about three months on average. Each artist typically displays several pieces of artwork. Their pieces have a tag with their contact information on it. If purchased, a red

dot is placed on the tag and the buyer picks up the art when the show is over. Sales take place directly between the buyer and seller. The Show doesn’t take a commission or charge any fees.

One of The Show’s longest standing partners is CHS Field. St. Paul Saints owner Mike Veeck is also a board member of The Show and has provided space at Andy’s Gallery at CHS Field every summer since 2016. About

Library board

from page 1

heard loud and clear from library workers that safety was a concern. Specifically, not having enough staff to substitute when other staff are out of the office, resulting in libraries being short staffed or sometimes having to close.”

The library board is comprised of the same seven members of the St. Paul City

Council, and the chairperson is chosen by the members. Noecker succeeds Julie Prince and there is no set length to the term.

“I’m looking forward to being out there in the community and speaking up about why our libraries are so important and why investing both privately and through the city in these

160 artists working in painting, pottery, photography and other mediums exhibit their work there each summer. In addition, The Show has set up artist booths at the St. Paul Farmers Market during the St. Paul Art Crawl, Jazz Fest and other city events, and Bernard continues to explore new ideas to promote the artists.

“We are working on launching a marketplace on our website, which will be

similar to Etsy, except we’re going to provide ‘shops’ for everyone for free, and it’ll only be for artists with disabilities,” said Bernard. “We’re trying to make it as simple and easy as we can connecting the artist with the buyers.”

The Show is seeking artists with disabilities to join its 11-member board. To apply, or for more information on the organization, call 651-419-8022 or visit www. theshowtartgallery.org.

three library transformations is critical,” said Noecker. “I have a background in education. I started my career as a middle school teacher. I’m an avid reader and huge supporter of our libraries and early learning initiatives so it really aligns with a lot of the other priorities on which I spend my time.”

Noecker is also a co-chair of the city council’s audit committee, a member of the early learning legislative advisory committee and

the Family Housing Fund board, and serves on the St. Paul Children’s Collaborative board, Ramsey County’s Violence Reduction Leadership group, and the Heading Home Ramsey Coalition, which is working to end unsheltered homelessness in the county. Noecker typically holds one community conversation per month, which is open to the public. Upcoming dates can be found on her Facebook page.

Lutheran Social Service of MN is seeking volunteers age 55+ in your area to provide companionship to older adults or mentor school-age children.

commit to regular weekly hours for a tax-free stipend and mileage reimbursement.

James at 651.310.9455,

{ THE FULLER FILES }

The St. Paul City Council approved a 14.65% tax increase over 2022, less than the 15.35% originally proposed by Mayor Melvin Carter. The $781.5 million budget will result in a $226 increase for the owner of a median valued home of $261,800.

The St. Paul City Council has denied the appeal of Friends of Pig’s Eye Lake to stop construction of seven manmade islands at Pig’s Eye Lake. The Army Corps of Engineers is creating the islands using soil dredged from the Mississippi River to help reduce shoreline erosion and improve habitat for birds and fish. Friends of Pig’s Eye Lake objects to the project, citing concerns about its environmental impact.

Jamie Wascalus was re-

cently appointed director of the City of St. Paul’s Office of Technology and Communications by Mayor Melvin Carter. She is responsible for enterprise-wise information services, business and resident outreach efforts, and city communications technology. She succeeds Sharon Kennedy Vickers, who resigned this summer to become CEO for Software for Good. Wascalus has more than two decades of experience in the technology sector. Most recently she was chief information officer for the University of Minnesota for 10 years. Prior to that she was application developer and IT project manager at SRA International, now called General Dynamics.

Purple Line pause - The Maplewood City Council voted to pause its support of

Pedro Park

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and improvements to Pedro Park. The group was formed under the sponsorship of the St. Paul Parks Conservancy, which has experience in fundraising to support parks, and will work closely with that organization. No fundraising plans have yet been finalized for Pedro Park. Previous design proposals created by the city’s Parks and Recreation department called for a water feature, artistic focal point, concrete sidewalks and patios, play equipment, shade structure, seating and more. A new piece of community art will likely be added to replace the

mural on the annex building.

“It can be a real community connector in an area that’s just primed for it, with all the different residents, businesses and visitors,” said Noecker. “I think this could end up becoming a jewel of the northeast part of downtown just like Mears [Park] is in Lowertown and Rice [Park] is in the western part of downtown. I think the Fitzgerald Park neighborhood deserves its own central green space.”

Park development

The development of Pe-

by Roger Fuller

the proposed Purple Line bus rapid transit route between St. Paul and the northern suburbs until it gets more information on the project. The council stated it is still committed to the project but wants the Met Council to release a ridership survey to determine how many people are expected to use the route.

ARP funding - The City of St. Paul will use $4.65 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) investments to boost community ownership and improvements of local businesses, provide repairs and cold-weather upgrades to housing units for lowincome families, and create opportunities for artists in the City’s cultural corridors.

Children’s Minnesota hospital plans to build a 22bed inpatient mental health facility at its downtown site.

The proposed $20 million project will be staffed by 75 full-time employees and serve about 1,000 people a year.

Wildflyer Coffee, an employment training program that hires youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability, plans to open a coffeeshop this spring at 1362 W. 7th St. Youth age 16 and older will work 20 hours and take part in workshops on customer service, mental health, financial literacy and more. Wildflyer also operates a coffeehouse in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis.

The holiday lights on two signature trees in the center of Mears Park were funded by $15,000 from the City of St. Paul and approximately $7,000 from Friends of Mears Park, which collects donations from businesses and residents. It was decided not to place lights on

trees along the perimeter of the park and interior crosswalks because squirrels have chewed through the wiring in recent years.

Laughcamp comedy club, 490 Robert St. N., will present Joe Hill, Jan. 6-7; Brent Terhune, Jan. 13-14, and Mike Merryfield, Jan. 20-21. All shows begin at 7 p.m.

Ramsey County Historical Society will present a History Revealed program on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12, on Zoom. To register, visit rchs.com.

Minnesota Sinfonia will present its Classical Winter Concert at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, at Metropolitan State University. Trumpeter Rodney Marsalis will perform Concerto by Harry James and the third movement from Hummel’s Concerto for Trumpet in E Flat Major. The orchestra will

perform Schubert’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major and the Overture to Treemonisha by Scott Joplin.

Adrienne Novy will discuss “Erev Guildene: The Pop Rock Survival Guide for the Modern Jewish Millennial” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Subtext Books, 6 W. 5th St. For more information, visit subtextbooks. com.

Books and Bars will present a discussion on “How to be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question” by Michael Schur on Jan. 17 and 18 at the Urban Growler, 2325 Endicott St. For more information, visit booksandbars.com.

St. Paul Farmers Market will hold its outdoor winter market on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m., at 5th and Wall. The market will feature five bakeries, five meat vendors and a milk and dairy vendor.

dro Park had been a long and complicated process. In 2006, the City of St. Paul adopted the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan which included a plan to have a full-block park in the area near present day Pedro Park. After closing Pedro Luggage, the Pedro family donated its land to the city to be used for park space. The building was demolished in 2011 with the understanding that the land of the adjacent PSA building would be used to expand the park one day. However, after vacating the annex in 2017 the city decided to sell the building to a developer and struck a deal in 2019. During that time, a member of the Pedro family and the citizen’s group Help Save Pedro

Park sued the city to stop the sale. They were unsuccessful. Amidst the controversy, the developer pulled out in 2021 without having done any work to the site. Later, the Pedro Park Work Group was formed to examine the history and future of the site and its findings are being used to guide development of the park. In late September, the Minnesota State Historic Preservation office completed an environmental review of the annex and determined its demolition wouldn’t negatively affect the historical value of the area. This cleared the way for demolition of the building, which has cost the city $100,000 a year in maintenance.

Mutual ski passes available

The City of St. Paul and Ramsey County have teamed up to offer expanded cross-country skiing options and new mutual ski passes. Under a new 5-year agreement, the passes are good at nine locations with groomed trails. New this year is a premier skiing facility at Battle Creek Regional Park West, featuring machine-made snow, lighting and a chalet, and new groomed 5K classic and skate ski trails at Highland National Golf Course. This course also offers a chalet. Skijoring, snowshoeing and dog sledding are now allowed on the skate ski side of the 3.5K cross country trail at Highland 9 Golf Course, and there is a fat tire biking trail on the perimeter of the course.

Passes are $35/year or $6/day for the natural snow trails. Passes that also include trails with machinemade snow are $80/year or $15/day. Rentals are available for $12/day at Como Park Ski Center, Battle Creek Recreation Center, Highland National Golf Course and Tamarak Nature Center. Crosscountry ski, downhill ski and snowboard lessons are available at Como Park Ski Center. Ski passes are available online through Ramsey County and at the above-mentioned facilities. No pass is required for ages 12 and under. For more information, visit stpaul.gov/xcountryski.

Winter Carnival

also produces the Cinco de Mayo festival on the West Side. The Winter Carnival began in 1886 and is considered to be the oldest winter festival in the United States. In a typical year, it attracts an estimated 250,000 visitors who shell out a combined $2-$3 million.

Here’s a guide to the signature events. The information was accurate as of press time but is subject to change. For more information, visit www.wintercarnival.com.

Rice Park

Rice Park will once again serve as the central location for many festivities, including live music, ice-carving competitions and the culmination site of two parades.

Light the Park - Kickoff to Carnival, 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26. Join the Royal Family, Vulcans and other community members to light up the park and acknowledge the start of the

Winter Carnival. The first 200 people to arrive will receive a glow wand, to be lit at 6 p.m. Community members are encouraged to bring their own glowsticks or light-up items. Following an announcement by the Royal Family, artists will begin competing in the 2023 Multi-Block Ice carving competition. The nearby Warming House opens at 7 p.m. and will feature live entertainment, including prelims for the new lip sync event.

The Warming House will be open 4-10 p.m., Jan. 26Feb. 4, on Market Street. The tent will be larger than last year’s, and a stage will feature music from local musicians and DJs. Games include trivia and bingo, and beverages will be for sale. Free, with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item. There will be a bin outside the warming house for food donations for the Hallie Q.

Brown Community Center.

The Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition is held January 26-28; the Individual Block Ice Carving Competition-Artisan Division is held 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29, and the professional division is held 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 29. Individuals or teams of four must register on the Winter Carnival website by Jan. 15. The top winners are awarded a cash prize. Judging immediately follows the completion of all contests and the sculptures will remain on display in Rice Park for the duration of the Carnival.

The King Boreas Grande Day Parade hits the streets 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28. The route goes from West 7th at Smith Avenue, to 5th Street, to Washington, to 4th Street at Rice Park. Dozens of bands, floats and, of course, the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family will be there.

The Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade will weave its way through the city 5:30-7 p.m., Saturday,

Feb. 4. The route is the same as the King Boreas Grande Day Parade, starting at West 7th at Smith Avenue and ending at Rice Park. After the parade, follow Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe to the steps of the James J. Hill Library for the ever-dramatic overthrow of Boreas. Stick around afterward for fireworks and live music.

The Vulcan Victory Dance is 7:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4 at InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd. The R Factor will perform live music beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Berners in the Park is held 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. Friendly dogs of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of the Greater Twin Cities will join the fun for Kids’ and Family Day. Visitors may pet and play with them. Free.

Minnesota State Fairgrounds

For a full afternoon of fun in the winter sun, visit the Vulcan Snow Park . From Jan. 27-Feb. 5, visitors will

find a snow maze, snow mountain playing area and the artistic creations of master snow carvers participating in the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting competition. The large, frosty sculptures are always stunning to see and make a great photo backdrop. Admission and parking is free.

Drop by the snow park 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21 to participate in Snow Stomp and help create the blocks of snow used for the snow sculpting competitions. Free.

Minnesota State Snow Sculpting competition, Jan. 27-29. Three-person teams from throughout the state transform huge blocks of compacted snow into works of art, using only hand tools. Winners are announced at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29.

Amateur Snow Sculpting Contest, Jan. 28. Three-person teams from across Minnesota use hand tools to create art out of large blocks of compacted snow. Winners are announced at 4:30 p.m.

To ward off the winter chill, enter the 38th annual

St. Paul Winter Carnival Fire & Ice Run/Walk held 8-11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 29.

Adults may enter the 5K, 10K, 15K or 20K and youth (typically ages 4-10) may enter the Kids’ run. Also available: a NoK (pay not to run). Cost to register ranges from $30-$60 based on the race entered and registration date. All participants will receive a swag bag containing a long-sleeved shirt, Carnival button and coupon book. Kids receive a hat instead of a shirt. Pick up your swag bag 3-6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26 at Run N Fun, 868 Randolph Ave.

Landmark Center

Not all events require bundling up and braving the elements. Toasty fun can be found inside the Landmark Center, 75 W. Fifth St.

Winter Carnival Memorabilia Display , 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, in the North Gallery. View a collection of Winter Carnival items from throughout the years. Volunteers are available to answer questions about the carnival.

Photo by Lew Ferty Vogel The ice carving competition is held January 26-28 in Rice Park.

Photo by Terri Johnson

Join Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe on February 4 near the steps of the James J. Hill Library for the ever-dramatic overthrow of Boreas.

Shower singers may want to check out the Vocal Interpretations Lip Sync Contest, a new event. Individuals and groups of five or less will lip sync to a song, competing for cash prizes. Cost is $15 per individual or group; ages 21 and older. Register online by 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 6, at www.wintercarnival.com. The first 15 applicants are guaranteed a spot. Prelims are held at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Warming House on North Market Street. The top competitors at prelims will move on to the finals, held 4:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Main Stage in Rice Park. Prelims and finals are both free to the public.

The Jigsaw Puzzle Contest returns 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 29. Come watch teams of puzzle enthusiasts race to complete a 500-piece puzzle in two hours. $60 per team; online registration required. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in five categories: adult 1 and experts, adult 2, adult 3, family with children, and adult 4. Puzzles will also be on the second floor for those who want to puzzle without participating in the contest.

Hot & Cool Classics Concert is held 2-3:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29. The St. Paul Civic Symphony will present music by Ruth Gipps, Rachmaninoff and Duke Ellington. Free.

Warming House Purse Bingo, 6-8:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30. Compete for a chance to win a designer purse. $2 per game. 40 players are required to start the game. Youth under age 18 may play if accompanied by a parent or guardian. No registration required. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Frozen Family Fun Night , 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31. The event features a meet and greet with Fozen’s Ana, Elsa and Kristoff from 6-7 p.m., story time and singalong, snow activities with junior royalty and more. Free.

Winter Carnival’s Day of Good is Friday, Feb. 3. The day will have many opportunities to donate food, blankets or blood, and spread cheer into the community.

The St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation has partnered with the Winter Carnival ambassadors and their Cold Hands, Warm Hearts drive. The Northwind Titan Trooper will be parked at the Landmark

Center to collect the donations for the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. St. Paul Bouncing Team tryouts, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3. Free. The St. Paul Bouncing team is a nonprofit organization that performs aerial acrobatics at public and private social events throughout the year. This activity is inspired by an Inuit hunting tradition and is among the oldest performances in the Winter Carnival’s history. For more information, visit stpaulbouncingteam.org.

Kids’ & Family Day, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. Kids will be able to exercise, watch performances, participate in art and craft activities, and more. Vendors will also be on site. Free.

Other events

Scavenger hunts are available through the Goosechase app through 5 p.m., Feb. 4. All team members who finish a scavenger hunt will receive a small prize. Teams can register for multiple hunts. Cost to register wasn’t available as of presstime. The winner of the hunt gets to participate in the Torchlight Parade on February 4.

Digital Ice Fishing Tournament, runs Jan. 1-Feb. 5. Participants must download the FishDonkey mobile app and join the Winter Carnival group. Prizes will be awarded to the winning angler in 10 different categories. Cost is $20.

The Beard-growing Competition runs Jan. 6-27. There are three categories: clean shaven, lumberjack and freestyle. The top three winners in each category receive a prize. Par-

ticipants are encouraged to post weekly pictures of their progress using the hashtag “CarnivalBeard.”

Two classic St. Paul walking tours will be held during the carnival Jan. 26-Feb. 5. The Walking Gangster Tour of Downtown St. Paul is a 1-hour stroll on sidewalks that dips in and out of buildings and skyways, exploring crime and corruption from the City’s past. The Haunted Walking Tour of Downtown St. Paul is a 1-hour walk inside and outside with a guide telling spooky stories. Both tours start at Infor Commons, 380 St. Peter St., and cost $20. A portion of the proceeds will support the Carnival. For tickets, visit cyncitytours.com.

Cat lovers will want to check out the 45th Annual Championship & Household Pet Cat Show, Jan. 28-29, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. Cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children. Adults get a discount with a Winter Carnival button. For more information, visit saintlycitycatclub.org.

The Orchid Society of Minnesota’s Winter Carnival Orchid Show is held Jan. 28-29 at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr. Judging is at 7 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 28.

Doggie Depot returns to Union Depot, 10 a.m.3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. Stop by for the crowning of the Canine King & Queen, giveaways, interviews with pet experts and more. Free.

Vulcan vs The Royal Guard Hockey Classic starts at noon, Sunday, Feb.

5, at Doug Woog Arena in South St. Paul. Cash donations are suggested; nonexpired food items will also be accepted. Refreshments served following the game.

Royalty events

Past Princess Soiree-A Night to Sparkle, 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5, at A’bulae event venue, 255 6th St. E. Honor the outgoing 2022 Wind Princesses and support the Past Princess Association. $45. Register online at www.pastprincess.com.

2023 Junior Royalty Coronation, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, at St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave. $5 with a 2023 Winter Carnival button or $10 without a button. Buttons are available at the door.

Klondike Kate Contest, 6:30-10 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Hilton DoubleTree St. Paul East, 2201 Burns Ave. Reigning Klondike Kate Tina Hacker will crown the new Klondike Kate. Tickets are $22 if purchased online, $25 at the

door with a button or $30 at the door without a button.

2023 Senior Royalty Coronation, 5-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, at Tinucci’s, 396 21st St., Newport. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the coronation at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for dinner and coronation, or $10 for coronation only. Tickets must be purchased online.

Fire & Ice Dinner, 6-10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, at the Pool and Yacht Club, 1600 Lilydale Rd., Lilydale. Join the Royal Family, Vulcans, Klondike Kate and the Royal Guard for a meal. Ticket price wasn’t available as of presstime. Reservations required. For reservations, call 651-455-3900.

The Royal Fashion Show, 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at A’bulae, 255 6th St. E. Ticket price wasn’t available as of presstime. Order tickets at www.ambassadorsspwc. com.

Annual Queen’s Tea, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 22, at Royal Golf Club, 11455 20th St. N., Lake Elmo. Join

former queens in honoring the 2022 Queen of Snows, Effie Barnes. A social hour with cash bar begins at 11 a.m. and other events begin at noon. The event includes tea, Q&A with 2023 Queen of Snows candidates, a dessert auction and a chance to win a $2,000 gift card to R.F. Moeller Jewelers. $40. Tickets are available online at www.formerqueens.com/ tea.

Royal Coronation, 7:309:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, at the St. Paul RiverCentre. $30. Tickets must be purchased online. The event is proceeded by a Royal Dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the coronation and Royal Dinner are $110.

The 2023 Krewe and Vulcanus Rex LXXXV will be introduced to adoring fans at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, at Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Parkway N. Free.

Royal Guards’ Rock the Palace is held Jan. 28 and 29 at the St. Paul Hotel, 350 N. Market Street. Party with the Winter Carnival Royal Family, enjoy live music from the band 8 Foot 4 and have a chance to win prizes. Tickets are $10 online at www. royalguards.org, or $15 at the door.

Photo by St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation

The King Boreas Grande Day Parade hits the streets 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28.

History Center

345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 mnhs.org

Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition is featured through April 2. Visitors can learn about areas of forensic science and engage in interactive crime-solving exercises. Original manuscripts, period artifacts, and investigative tools influenced and used by Sherlock Holmes are on view.

Our Home: Native Minnesota includes historic and contemporary photographs, maps and artifacts. Visitors learn how Minnesota’s native communities have retained cultural practices, teachings and values.

Other exhibits include Minnesota’s Greatest Generation, Then Now Wow,

Grainland and Weather Permitting. The Center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sun. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, and $8 for children ages five to 17.

History Theatre

30 E. 10th St. St. Paul 651-292-4323

Historytheatre.com

Raw Stages: New Works Festival, Jan. 18-22. Get an inside look at the script development process and provide feedback for playwrights. The series consists of four staged readings of scripts-in-progress. Following each reading, audiences will be invited to give feedback to the artistic team and cast. Scripts include: The Kim Loo Sisters, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18;

The Boy Wonder, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19; The Betty Crocker Musical, 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21; and The James Meredith Project, 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 22. $30 to attend all readings or $15 for individual tickets.

The Root Beer Lady, Jan. 28-Feb. 19. Set in 1986, the story reflects on the life of Dorothy Molter, the last legal non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters, who is famous for giving root beer to canoeists. The play pushes back against the premise that her time in the North Woods made her the “Loneliest Woman in America,” as the Saturday Evening Post claimed in 1952. Tickets start at $43, with discounts for seniors, adults under age 30 and students.

The Root Beer Lady is presented Jan. 28-Feb. 19 at the History Theatre. Set in 1986, the story reflects on the life of Dorothy Molter, the last legal non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters. She is famous for giving root beer to canoeists.

Landmark Center

75 5th St. W. St. Paul 651-292-3225 landmarkcenter.org

Minnesota Boychoir Winter Concert, Sunday, Jan. 8. Performances at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Free.

Urban Expedition: Mexico, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 22. Features crafts, dance,

music, exhibits and food. Free.

MN

Children’s Museum

10 7th St. W. St. Paul 651-225-6000 mcm.org

Sparklerama, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30. Celebrate the new year with live mu-

sic, dancing, activities and crafts. $20.

The Amazing Castle is featured through Jan. 8. Travel back in time to a magical place where medieval storybook characters come to life. Explore eight themed areas and get to know the characters that make the castle a community.

Framed: Step into Art is

S ample St. Paul

featured Jan. 21-May 7. Step into the 3D world of four well-known paintings, view famous prints and parodies of the Mona Lisa, and replace Mona Lisa’s face with your own.

Other exhibits and activities include The Scramble, The Studio, Creativity Jam, Sprouts, Our World, Forces at Play, Sprouts, Shipwreck Adventures and Imaginopolis. The museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues.-Sun. Tickets are $14.95. Admission is free the first Sunday of each month; reservations are required. The next free date is Jan. 1.

Ordway Center

345 Washington St. St. Paul 651-224-4222 ordway.org

Sounds of Blackness’ “Music for Martin,” 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13. Tickets start at $24.

The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra presents Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 with Richard Egarr, 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 13, and 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14; Musical Distillations with Steven

Copes at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21; and Express Concert: Legends/Leyendas with Maureen Nelson and Richard Belcher Jan. 27-28. Tickets start at $12.

Palace Theatre

17 7th Place W. St. Paul 612-338-8388 first-avenue.com

Brothers Entertainment New Years featuring Ilkacase, Sharma Boy, Kiin Jama and Hodan Abdirahman, 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 31. Tickets start at $68.

RiverCentre

175 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651- 265-4800 rivercentre.org

Land O’Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show, Jan. 5-8. More than 1,600 canines in 197 breeds will compete for American Kennel Club (AKC) awards. Tickets are $10.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors (62+) and $5 for children ages 5-12.

Minnesota Roller Derby, 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21. Tickets start at $12.50.

Saintly City Cat Club

Annual Championship Cat Show, 9 a.m., Jan. 2829. More than 170 cats from the United States and Canada will compete for the title of Best Cat. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors older than 65 and children under 10.

Schubert

Club

302 Landmark Center 75 W. 5th St. St. Paul 651-292-3268 schubert.org

Free Courtroom Concerts take place Thursdays at noon at the Landmark Center: Laura Sewell (cello) and Ora Itkin (piano), Jan. 5; Dream Songs Project, Jan. 12; and Jake Endres (bass) and Gary Briggle (tenor), Jan. 19.

A recording of the Dec. 5 Accordo concert will be available for viewing on the Schubert Club website, 7:30 p.m., Jan. 12, as part of the Club’s Virtual Concert Series. $10.

Museum Mini: Tami Morse, 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 30, on the Schubert Club website. Learn about the harpsichord in this 15-min-

ute interactive session.

Science Museum of Minnesota

120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 smm.org

Nature All Around Us is presented through Jan. 22. Discover the hidden worlds and rich ecosystems within familiar places and explore how trees cool neighborhoods, how streams carry storm water away from homes, how spending time in nature keeps people healthy, and more.

Omnitheater films“Dream Big” is presented through December 31. Explore engineering marvels from around the world and learn how engineers push the limits of innovation in unexpected ways.

“Backyard Wilderness” is presented through Jan. 31. Peek inside dens, nests and ponds to meet the creatures that live there. Omnitheater tickets are $9.95. Free for children age 3 and under. Sensory Friendly Sunday is hosted the first Sunday of the month. Visitors can ex-

perience a lights-up, sounddown Omnitheater show at 10 a.m. The program was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota. Admission is free

for personal care attendants when visiting with a client.  Museum tickets range from $9.95-$34.90, with discounts available for those with limited incomes.

Looking for a new school for your student? Registration deadlines are fast approaching, so now is the time to do your homework. Families have many choices: public, magnet, parochial or charter; and for college, two- or four-year schools. This primer will help you understand the differences among them so you can select the best school for your child.

Open enrollment

Minnesota has open enrollment, which means families may choose a school that is not within their resident district. In the 202021 school year, nearly 10% of the students in the state are open-enrolled. State applications are used for open enrollment, and nonresident districts must receive appli-

cations by January 15 for the following fall, with some exceptions. Families that apply to a school not assigned to them are responsible for their own transportation.

Public schools

Public schools are funded through taxes and operated by local school districts and a board of education. Each student is guaranteed enrollment and is assigned a school near where they live. Bussing is free for those outside of walking distance. When selecting a public school, families may want to consider class sizes, studentteacher ratios, academic progress and extra-curricular activities.

Magnet schools

A magnet school is part of the public school system

but has a curriculum focus that is used in all classes, such as environmental or STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Families should ask about the school’s focus, transportation options and if there are additional fees for field trips or supplies.

Charter schools

Private groups can get a charter to operate a school that uses alternative teaching methods and innovative curriculum. These schools typically have a smaller student population and a lower student-teacher ratio. Charter schools do not charge admission, nor do they have admission requirements to enroll students. They employ licensed teachers and offer services to special needs students. Charter school stu-

dents are required to take state and national assessments. If the school

demic progress is measured, if there are any special enrollment requirements or fees, and if the site is the school’s permanent location.

Parochial schools

Parochial schools are operated by a church or religious organization and have a curriculum that includes religious instruction. Class sizes and studentteacher ratio are usually small but tuition can be high. Parents should ask about tuition, scholarships, transportation, religious requirements or expectations, and if there are any additional expenses for uniforms or supplies.

Online learning

While online learning became standard during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, it is not a new model. Prior to the pandemic, some schools offered a full online program. Today, as a result of the pandemic, some school districts have added an online option as well.

Colleges

The nonprofit College Board offers the following

things to consider when choosing a college.

Two-year or four-year school - At a two-year college, students can earn an associate degree. At a four-year college, students can earn a bachelor’s degree. Many students begin at a two-year college and then transfer to a four-year college.

Public or private: Many students exclude private colleges because they think they’re too expensive. How-

ever, financial aid can sometimes make private colleges as affordable as public colleges.

Location: the distance to home should be considered. Does your student want to be close enough for meals and laundry, and to visit on weekends, or will they only come home on school breaks?

Campus setting: Many students say that campus size and feel was a big part

of their college choice. Visiting a college and talking to students is a great way to get to know a campus. Do most students stay on campus or do they commute to school? Does the campus exude school spirit?

Cost: For many families, cost is a big concern. To offset the price of college, students should apply for financial aid and scholarships. Most students get some financial help from the gov-

ernment or the college itself.

Majors: Students often think they must choose their major before they start college. This isn’t true. In fact, many students change

their major more than once. However, for the undecided, the school should have several majors of interest to the student.

Dodge Nature Preschool

1715 Charlton St. • West St. Paul, MN 55118

"A place for early childhood environmental education."

Dodge Nature Preschool uses the inherent wonder, complexity and beauty of the natural world as a catalyst for children’s growth and development.

• Half-day classes for ages 3 to 5

• Discover prairies, ponds and woodland trails

• Visit horses, chickens and goats at the farm

• Tend and taste the harvest of our gardens

• 4-star Parent Aware rated and NAEYC accredited

• Partial tuition scholarships available

Join us for a preschool tour:

Jan. 11th - 9:30 a.m. (virtual)

Jan. 25th - 9:30 a.m.

A New Year. A New Facility!

We are excited to be in our new school building, located one block west of the capital at University Ave. W. and Marion St. We now have Pre-K through grade 12 under one roof! The new building features state-of-the-art classrooms, gymnasium, green space/ playground, cafeteria, community space, and a community center. We're now enrolling. Call today or enroll online!

To learn more and schedule a tour Call 651-225-9177 or visit www.stpaulcityschool.org

St. Paul City School

215 University Ave. W., St. Paul

programs

• Free school busing in St. Paul for Pre-K-12th grade

• Free breakfast & lunch available

• Special education services

• English language learning services

• School culture that emphasizes relationships, community building, leadership and character growth.

Jan. 26th - 5 p.m.

Apply online. Priority application period ends January 31st 651-455-4555 www.dodgenaturecenter.org/preschool

Academia Cesar Chavez 1801 Lacrosse Ave., St. Paul 651-778-2940

St. Paul City School PreK-12 260 Edmund Ave., St. Paul 651-225-9177 www.stpaulcityschool.org

St. Paul College 235 Marshall Ave., St. Paul 651-846-1600 https://saintpaul.edu

Great River School 1326 Energy Park Drive St Paul MN 55108 651-305-2780 enroll@greatriverschool.org www.greatriverschool.org

St. Paul City School PreK-12 260 Edmund Ave., St. Paul 651-225-9177 | www.stpaulcityschool.org COLLEGES

Marshall Ave., St. Paul 651-846-1600 | https://saintpaul.edu

P ostscript

Recipe for Christmas

I don’t consider myself a person bound by tradition.

Usually, I’m all about change, encouraging people to change and looking for ways to change myself. I generally think that new experiences make life both more memorable and meaningful.

Carrie Classon CarrieClasson.com

Except for Christmas. I want Christmas to remain exactly the same.

Nearly every year of my life, Christmas Eve has been celebrated with my father and his family. My dad has only one sister, my Auntie

Jo, so this has been relatively easy. My father and his sister each had two children, and I am the oldest, so the logistics remained simple.

But this year, logistics finally caught up with us and I will celebrate with my parents and my sister and her family. Auntie Jo’s family will have their own celebration, and at my age, I should be incredibly grateful that the tradition held as long as it did.

Instead, I’m a little sad.

If you read advice columns at this time of year (and I do), you know they are filled with families feuding over where to spend Christmas. The more distant and strained the family relations are, the more fiercely they fight. I read these columns every year and tut-tut along with the advice giver, and yet

I take for granted that my Christmas will remain unchanged. I like to imagine that – while everything in the world changes – Christmas somehow magically remains the same.

“I’m sad!” I told my mother when she told me the news.

“I know,” my mom said. “But things change.” Of course, my mother is right.

Hanging onto Christmas traditions is important. Letting them go is even more so.

Things change and that is not a good thing or a bad thing. It is simply what happens if you are lucky enough to live as long as I have lived. It is asking too much of Christmas to hold all the relationships and all the changes. It is asking too much of one short day.

Instead, on December

26, we will get together for a brunch. My Auntie Jo is hosting, so I know it will be wonderful. Everyone will be there, and no one will be worried that they are neglecting some other part of the family, or that they will have to rush to another Christmas event. We will chat and eat all the cookies we want (because what else are you going to do with Christmas cookies on the 26th of December except eat them?) And it will be something new.

“Hey, Sister,” I said. “When are we going to make Christmas cookies?”

We made Christmas cookies together last year for the first time. We both mixed a huge amount of dough, and we made a giant mess of her kitchen and put her son to work minding the oven and her daughter sprinkling

sugar and we ended up with an amazing pile of cookies.

This was how Christmas traditions survive – not by hanging on to one special thing, but by making new special moments. This tradition, now two years old, is part of Christmas. My job is to treat it with all the respect a two-year-old tradition requires – to honor it and celebrate it and make it the best day possible.

“Where did you get this recipe?” my mother asked, trying one of our cookies.

“From you!” I told her. And it’s true. I got the recipe for Christmas from my mother, and my father, and my Auntie Jo. Now all I have to do is to remember to make it on my own every year.

Till next time.

So much to do, be, and become.

When you walk into a room full of strangers and feel instantly at home, you know you’ve found your people.

That’s what it’s like at Saint Mary’s – a community that welcomes you, supports you, and finds ways to help you thrive.

A community that will help you study and succeed and become the world-changer you want to be.

Schedule a visit to our campus and find your people.

smumn.edu/visit